2017 was a year of progress for Cabinteely, but ultimately a frustrating one, as the club achieved their highest finish since their elevation to the SSE Airtricity League in 2015. Pat Devlin was able to bring in some big names to the club, includ
2017 was a year of progress for Cabinteely, but ultimately a frustrating one, as the club achieved their highest finish since their elevation to the SSE Airtricity League in 2015.
Pat Devlin was able to bring in some big names to the club, including Kieran Waters and Ryan Swan, as Cabo put in a big charge for a top three finish.
Scoring goals wasn’t an issue for the Stradbrook men, as they scored more of them than three of the clubs who would go on to finish ahead of them. Defensively however, they conceded far too many.
In a season in which they secured a first ever win over UCD, managed big victories away at Shelbourne and Cobh, coupled with a credible draw with Waterford, Devlin would have been somewhat disappointed with a sixth-place finish.
Star Player: Kieran Waters
The big signing made by manager Pat Devlin coming into the season was striker Waters, and didn’t he deliver! The former Shamrock Rovers and UCD man scored 16 goals between League and Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup, and was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year. He has already re-signed for 2018.
What They Need For 2018
To shore things up at the back: third highest goal-scorers in 2017, Cabo had the third highest number of goals conceded in the League.
Consistency: Only Waterford managed to go the entirety of 2017 without ending up on the losing side against Cabinteely, but a nightmare period in June and July saw them pick up just five points from a possible eighteen. This put paid to their chances of promotion.
Realistic Targets For 2018
Promotion Play-Off: With Waterford so far ahead of the chasing pack last year, and only one promotion place up for grabs, it made things difficult for all the other clubs in the First Division. With the top four now in with a shout of promotion at the end of the season, Cabo can make a push for a Premier Division place for 2019.
Opportunities for Academy Players: Cabinteely pride themselves on bringing players up through their own underage ranks. Last season, an average of 75% of the their Under 15, U17, and U19 League squads came from players who had gone through the Cabinteely system. The likes of Adam Maher came through and made it in into the senior team. Expect to see more of the same in 2018.
Best Signing Made So Far
Stephen McGuinness: The former Drogheda United goalkeeper could prove to be a crucial signing as Pat Devlin looks to gain promotion from the First Division. He comes to Cabo having been named Drogheda’s Player of the Year during the 2017 Premier Division season.
